ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Textiles
Union Textiles Minister attends interactive sesion held by FICCI FLO Mumbai Chapter
Union Minister for Textiles, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani today had an interactive session with members of FICCI FLO Mumbai chapter on a variety of subjects, including textiles and contribution of women towards economic growth of the nation. The Minister said that various schemes launched by the Government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi have changed the lives of women in a very positive way. She said that around 80% of Indian women have benefited from the two schemes, PM MUDRA Yojana and Startup India. She noted that these schemes give opportunities to young lady entrepreneurs to start their own enterprise, providing them adequate loan facility. She added that, if this trend continues, the MSME sector will emerge as a much bigger contributor to the national GDP. She cited Ayushman Bharat, PM Jan Arogya Yojana and Janani Suraksha Yojana as other schemes from which women have been benefiting significantly. Smt. Irani was interviewed by Editor, Fashion & Design Magazine, Smt. Shefali Vasudevan.
On being asked about women’s health, safety and security, the Minister said that the government has introduced various laws to empower her, including those to protect her from sexual abuse. She said that women need to keep themselves aware of the laws and the judicial process, for their own empowerment. She exhorted them to work hard with passion and determination.
Backgrounder:
FLO is the women’s wing of FICCI. It is one of the oldest and largest women’s business associations in South East Asia. In India it has 15 chapters across the country, the member strength being 5,500. FLO’s purpose for this year is to lead women into believing and recognizing in their strengths, their unquestionable power and capability.
Ministry of Defence
Southern Command celebrates 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas
Pune, 26 July 2023
Kargil Vijay Diwas was celebrated on 26 July 2023 with great pride and fervor during a ceremony organised at the Southern Command War Memorial, Pune. The ceremony was attended by military personnel of Pune and veterans located in Southern Command Area of responsibility. During the ceremony, rich tributes were paid to bravehearts of Kargil War. The wreath was laid by Lieutenant General A K Singh, Army Commander, Headquarters Southern Command.
Kargil Vijay Diwas, has been named after the success of Operation Vijay. On this auspicious day, Indian Armed Forces successfully reclaimed the command of the high outposts which were treacherously occupied by Pakistani soldiers during winter months. The Kargil war was fought for more than 60 days and ended on 26 July 1999 with gallant victory for India.
This day reminds us of the sacrifice of our Soldiers who fought the battle of Kargil with Pakistan on the icy heights of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This year marks the 24th anniversary of that grand victory.PIB Pune | M.Iyengar/D.Rane
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Vice President's Secretariat
Terrorism, divisiveness and hatred have no place in a civilised society: VP
Indians respect all religions and cultures: VP
Denigrating any religion or religious icons is against Indian culture: Vice President
VP says parties should introspect on disruptions in legislatures
“Be disciplined and dedicated to the cause of the people”: VP’s advice to aspiring leaders
Vice President interacts with students of Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today emphasised the importance of world peace for humanity’s progress and said that “terrorism, divisiveness and hatred have no place in a civilised society”.
Interacting with students of the Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas, Shri Naidu reiterated that Indians are not only proud of their own culture, but also respect all cultures and religions. “We believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ”, he added.
He said that India is the most secular country in the world and anybody, irrespective of his or her religion, could occupy the highest constitutional post. Emphasizing the importance of unity in diversity, he said that “share and care is the core value of Indian civilisation.”
Shri Naidu decried denigrating any religion or religious icons saying it is against Indian culture, which believes in pluralism and inclusiveness. “One should not make any hate speech or derogatory comments against any religion. It is not acceptable”, the Vice President said.
Replying to a wide range of questions from the students, Shri Naidu said that while protest is a democratic right, resorting to violent means would harm the nation’s interests.
Expressing his concern over disruptions in legislatures, he said the way forward should be to “discuss, debate and decide” and not disrupt. He added that “parties should introspect whether they are strengthening or weakening democracy ”. He urged the media to refrain from highlighting unruly behaviour in legislatures, but to give prominence to constructive debates.
The Vice President batted for giving women adequate representation in all fields, including politics.
Addressing the students on the qualities needed in leadership, he said that in public life, one has to be disciplined and dedicated to the cause of the people. “More than ideology, ideal behaviour is important”, he stressed. He also emphasised the importance of teamwork, good communication skills and frequent interaction with the people in becoming a good leader.
Ministry of Finance
PFRDA will observe tomorrow as the National Pension System Diwas  to promote pension and retirement planning
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority  has kickstarted a campaign under ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. The Pension Regulator will be observing 1st October as the National Pension System Diwas  to promote pension and retirement planning among the citizens of India, and enjoy financial independence post retirement. PFRDA is promoting this campaign on its social media platforms.
The pension regulator aims to encourage every citizen  to plan towards creating a pension corpus to ensure for onself a financially sound future after retirement. NPS subscribers will enjoy the benefits of tax deduction on contribution, power of compounding and reap the benefits of regular income after retirement.
PFRDA Chairperson Shri Supratim Bandyopadhyay said, “We are happy to continue our celebration of October 1st as “NPS Diwas – A Day for Pension Planning”. Through this campaign, we reiterate our commitment towards creating awareness about pension planning among the public. As a regulatory body, our foremost aim is to cover all eligible citizens under a pension scheme to fulfil the vision of a pensioned society for India.”
As on 24th September, 2022, total number of subscribers under NPS is 571.86 lakhs  and total Assets Under Management  is 7,99,467 crore .
About PFRDA
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority is the regulatory body under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India for overall supervision and regulation of pension in India. The Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority Act was passed on 19 September 2013 and the same was notified on 1 February 2014. PFRDA is regulating NPS, subscribed by employees of Govt. of India, State Governments and by employees of private institutions/organizations & unorganized sectors. The PFRDA is ensuring the orderly growth and development of the pension market.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare signs MoU with Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles for promotion of Agroforestry in Silk Sector
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare today signed a Memorandum of Understanding  with the Central Silk Board under the Ministry of Textiles on a convergence model for the implementation of Agroforestry in the silk sector under the ongoing Sub-Mission on Agroforestry  Scheme.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Alka Bhargava, Additional Secretary, DAC&FW and Shri Rajit Ranjan Okhandiar, Member Secretary , Ministry of Textiles in the presence of Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Parshottam Rupala and Union Minister for Textiles Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani and other dignitaries.
The signing of this MoU aims to incentivize the farmers to take up sericulture based Agroforestry models thereby contributing to the Make in India and Make for the World vision of the Prime Minister. This linkage will add another dimension to agroforestry for faster returns to the growers as well as support the production of the range of silks that India is famous for. The Central Silk Board , Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India will act as a catalyst to promote Agroforestry in the silk sector.
The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare  has been implementing the Sub-Mission on Agroforestry  since 2016-17 as part of the recommendation of the National Agroforestry Policy 2014. India was the first country to have such a comprehensive policy which was launched at the World Agroforestry Congress held in Delhi in February 2014. At present, the scheme is being implemented in 20 States and 2 UTs.
SMAF aims to encourage farmers to plant multi-purpose trees together with the agriculture crops for climate resilience and an additional source of income to the farmers, as well as enhanced feedstock to inter alia wood-based and herbal industry. Hence there is a concerted effort to include medicinal, fruits, fodder, tree-borne oilseeds, lac host etc. in addition to the longer rotation timber species. The initiative of formalizing the collaboration in the sericulture sector is especially targeted for augmentation of sericulture host plants e.g. Mulberry, Asan, Arjuna, Som, Soalu, Kesseru, BadaKesseru, Phanat, etc. to be cultivated both as block plantations and border or peripheral plantations on farmlands. Planting sericulture based tree species on the farm bunds and rearing silkworms has the potential of creating additional income opportunities for farmers besides their regular source of income from agriculture activities.
Ministry of Finance
ECONOMIC SURVEY 2022-23 UNDERLINES SHGS’ CONTRIBUTION IN CRISIS MANAGEMENT DURING COVID
PRODUCTION OF MASKS BY SHGs ENABLE ACCESS TO AND USE OF MASKS BY COMMUNITIES IN REMOTE RURAL AREAS
DEMONSTRATION OF RESILIENCE AND FLEXIBILITY BY SHGs DURING CRISES NEEDS TO BE REGULARISED FOR LONG-RUN RURAL TRANSFORMATION, RECOMMENDS SURVEY
The years of pestilence acted as an opportunity towards mobilising Self Help Group  women to unite, transcend their group identity and collectively contribute to crisis management. They emerged as pivotal players in crisis management, leading from the front in - producing masks , sanitisers, and protective gear, creating awareness about the pandemic , delivering essential goods , running community kitchens , supporting farm livelihoods , convergence with MGNREGS , and in delivery of financial services , notes the Economic Survey 2022-23. Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey in Parliament today.
The Survey observes that the production of masks by SHGs has been a noteworthy contribution, enabling access to and use of masks by communities in remote rural areas and providing vital protection against the Covid-19 virus. As on 4 January 2023, more than 16.9 crore masks were produced by SHGs under DAY-NRLM.
Government’s Covid-19 Package for SHGs
- Under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana , the limit for collateral-free loans for women’s SHGs was doubled from Rs.10 lakh to Rs.20 lakh. This is expected to benefit 63 lakh women SHGs and 6.85 crore households.
- National Rural Livelihood Mission  allowed for an additional Vulnerability Reduction Fund of Rs. 1.5 lakh to be extended to Village Organisations  in Covid hotspot areas and for vulnerable groups.
Way forward
SHGs are well-placed to facilitate overall rural development owing to their access to the last mile, ability to draw on communities’ trust and solidarity, knowledge of local dynamics, and ability to swiftly manufacture simple products and services through the aggregation of members’ economic activities. The Pre-budget Survey recommends that the demonstration of their resilience and flexibility during crises, including Covid, needs to be thus regularised for long-run rural transformation. This includes, among other things, addressing inter-regional disparity in the deepening of the SHG movement, graduating SHG members into micro-entrepreneurs, culturally contextualised skill development for moving up the value chain in products and services, and including the least privileged under the SHG umbrella.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh holds talks with President of French Republic, Mr Emmanuel Macron in Paris
The two leaders review bilateral defence partnership
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held talks with President of the French Republic, Mr Emmanuel Macron, in Paris on October 8, 2019. Raksha Mantri had arrived in Paris on Monday for a two-day official visit to France. During the talks, the two leaders comprehensively discussed key aspects of bilateral defence partnership and resolved to continue strengthening the ties between the two countries. “I thanked President Macron for his strong support to further intensifying our strategic partnership, especially in the defence sector, with India and for our ‘Make in India’ initiatives”, Shri Rajnath Singh said after the meeting. Raksha Mantri also thanked the French President for the strong support by France to India's strategic interests and principles, including in fighting terrorism.
Earlier, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on his arrival in Paris had tweeted that France is India’s important strategic partner and its special relationship with India goes far beyond the realm of formal ties. Raksha Mantri also said that his visit to France is aimed at expanding the existing strategic partnership between both the countries.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh also expressed his deepest condolences, on behalf of the Indian Government and its people, upon the demise of former French President Mr Jacques Chirac, saying Mr Chirac had played a decisive role in forging India-France Strategic Partnership.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will later participate in the Rafale fighter aircraft handing over ceremony at Merignac in Bordeaux along with French Minister of Armed Forces Ms Florence Parly. Raksha Mantri is also scheduled to perform the ‘Shastra Puja’ on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami before flying a sortie in the Rafale fighter aircraft.
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Ministry of Electronics & IT
UIDAI HQ Building wins top Green Building Award
Declared winner of the GRIHA Exemplary Performance Award 2022
The Unique Identification Authority of India  Headquarter in New Delhi has won the prestigious GRIHA Exemplary Performance Award 2022, a top national level Green Building Award.
GRIHA  is a national rating system for green buildings in India. UIDAI HQ has been declared a winner among the existing highest rated building category.
UIDAI believes and promotes the idea of recycle and reuse to reduce carbon footprint. It has been harnessing solar power to meet a portion of its energy consumption. It is recycling and reusing water and has been adhering to sustainable waste management practices.
On an average, 25% to 30% of its daily water consumption is coming from recycled water. Similarly, the UIDAI HQ building is also recharging ground water 3590 KL per year, on an average.
The nominations for this award were invited in the month of October 2022 from GRIHA rated buildings across the country. UIDAI HQ building participated in the said competition in which 100 point rating system was considered across 34 criteria.
In 2021, UIDAI HQ building was adjudged the runners up. The constant endeavor and the award is a clear recognition of how authorities and staff at UIDAI have been constantly working to stay environmentally-conscious, and contributing to the net zero target of the country. The eco friendliness of the building also offers a congenial working environment to the staff.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
TRIFED offers Supply of Masks made by TRIFED Artisans/SHGs, Van Dhan Beneficiaries & NGOs for basic safety from Corona Virus
TRIFED under Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been working with the Tribal artisans, Self Help Groups , Van Dhan Beneficiaries and NGOs etc. for providing marketing support of their handloom, handicraft and natural products. In the current circumstances some of these suppliers have started making masks at their homes to help themselves and their community members from this ongoing pandemic. Some of them are supplying to local authorities also. These suppliers have conveyed their willingness to help the Government by way of supplying masks along with their capacities and rates which they are making mostly from their homes. Supply of masks made by these suppliers would help establish a model for creating livelihoods with safety for them. TRIFED is further exploring the possibilities of identifying additional suppliers who can contribute in the present hour of crisis by supplying masks
The current crisis situation due to Covid-19 has posed an unprecedented threat across the country. Almost all the States and UTs in India are affected by it, in varying degrees. This threat has cast its shadow on all sectors of trade and industry, at all levels, and all segments of society. The poor and marginalized are the worst affected by this pandemic. This is also the peak season for harvesting for Agriculture and Non Timber Forest Produce  in most of the regions of our country. It is therefore necessary to undertake measures by way of making available basic safety cover like home made masks for covering the face.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Review of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao  Scheme
As per the evaluation report of NITI Aayog, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao  scheme has been able to generate significant mass- mobilisation to eliminate gender discrimination and valuing the girl child and the scheme has been able to develop many good practices and community-level initiatives. The awareness about the scheme was also found to be high.
Consistent efforts are made under BBBP at all levels to generate awareness about the rights of girl child through community engagement, stop sex selection at birth and encourage positive action to support their education growth and development. Convergent efforts are made in collaboration with other Ministries and stakeholders. The implementation of the Scheme is monitored by the task force under BBBP at District, State and National level.
The overall objective of the BBBP Scheme is to address the issue of decline in Child Sex Ratio and create an enabling environment for education of the girl child. Child Sex Ratio  is a decadal process. Hence, an intermediary targets i.e. Sex Ratio at Birth have been set as a monitoring parameter for the progress of Scheme. SRB  of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) has shown an improving trend of 16 points at National level from 918  to 934 . The State/UT wise SRB of 2014-15 and 2019-20 is at Annexure-I
The total amount allocated under the scheme to different States/UTs and utilized so far is at Annexure II.
This information was given by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. sSmriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ is a fitting tribute to the leader with legacy of selfless service for the nation - Prof. Sudhir Gavhane
‘Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat’ is the Contemporary Embodiment of Sardar Patel’s Economic Vision for the Nation
Mumbai, 31 October 2020
‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ is being observed on the Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, across the country today, on 31st October. On this occasion, O/o Press Information Bureau and Regional Outreach Bureau held webinar on “Role of Sardar Patel in unifying India” while celebrating National Unity Day through digital mode.
The webinar began with the song on Unity, composed by the Song & Drama Division of the Information & broadcasting Ministry and was followed by administration of ‘The Unity Pledge’ before the address by the speakers of the webinar.
Prof. Sudhir Gavhane, Vice-Chancellor of MGM University, Aurangabad elaborated about capabilities, qualities and nature of leadership of Sardar Patel. He said that Sardar Patel, one of the best disciples of Mahatma Gandhi, was a grass-root leader and a great organiser, who understood thoughts and pulse of the masses. Prof Gavhane also spoke about the leadership role played by Sardar Patel in unifying India after independence without resorting to unnecessary use of force. Prof. Gavhane calling the Lohpurush as ‘Political Sanyasi’ narrated that, it is the legacy of his selfless service for the nation and the leadership quality to see through power as tool to serve the nation, which has set an example for us to follow for nation-building. It was observed that the foresight, tact and resolve, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel demonstrated in integrating more than 500 princely states is an unparalleled accomplishment in Indian history.
Speaking about contemporary relevance of Sardar Patel's Economic Vision, Manish Desai, Director General, West Zone, PIB, cited the example when our neighbour refused to honour business agreements and supply jute in the post independence period, it was Sardar Patel who asserted - "If they cannot guarantee to implement agreements, let us grow the jute and cotton and food grains we need." "These were the early foundations of AatmaNirbharBharat" he added. Self-reliance was among the chief tenets of Sardar Patel's economic philosophy and Economics was an intensely practical science for him. Patel wanted Indian economy built on surer foundations of increased industrial and agricultural production and increased wealth. Decades after his death, Sardar Patel continues to inspire all those who are engaged in building a resurgent ‘New India’, he added.
Dr Rahul Tidke, Dy. Director gave introduction to today’s subject, its purpose & relevance while sharing activities undertaken under this initiative today. Nikhil Deshmukh, Asst. Director, Regional Outreach Bureau gave vote of thanks to all speakers and stakeholders for making the webinar productive and engaging one. Sonal Tupe, from PIB Mumbai anchored the show.
To Watch Webinar: Click Here
Prime Minister's Office
Telephonic Conversation between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President of the Russian Federation H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke on telephone today with the President of the Russian Federation H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin.
The leaders discussed the unfolding situation in Afghanistan and its implications for the region and the world. They expressed the view that it was important for the two strategic partners to work together and instructed their senior officials to remain in touch.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the progress in the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ between both countries despite the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic. They appreciated the ongoing bilateral cooperation in the fight against the Covid pandemic, especially in the supply and production of ‘Sputnik V’ vaccine.
The leaders also touched upon the forthcoming multilateral engagements, including the BRICS Summit, meeting of the Council of SCO Heads of State, and India’s participation in the Eastern Economic Forum.
Prime Minister Modi said that he looked forward to President Putin’s visit to India for the next Bilateral Summit. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch on bilateral and global issues, in particular, the situation in Afghanistan.